Cogenra 400w panels

[gte]

Does anyone know what these cost and where they can be purchased for a DIY install? Google isn't yielding much besides their existence.

I am open to other high wattage panel suggestions also, but I'm looking to get the most wattage per square of roof space if reasonable.

Thanks

[Logan005]

the 400 watt panel is just like the 300 watt panel only bigger. the wattage of the 400 watt panel is proportional to size. the 400 watt panel is 20 to 25% larger size than the 300 watt panel. energy density is the same.

[gte]

Hi, they market it as a 72 cell panel. The first article does not specify dimensions, but the implication under the "more power" (quoted below) section is that they are the same size as other 72 cell single panels and that the increase in output is due to the overlaying of the cells like shingles and elimination of the traditional bus bar.

A rooftop with a 70m² unshaded southern exposure might fit about 30 PV panels on it. If those were standard panels, the array would produce about 10.5kW DC. With the Cogenra modules, the same roof would be able to produce closer to 12 kW DC. But because we typically size the array to meet the power needs, the original 10.5 kW could be achieved with just 26 Cogenra modules. Even if the modules were a little more expensive, using fewer panels reduces the balance of system and installation cost.

http://www.engineering.com/Electroni...dule-Work.aspx

http://www.reuters.com/article/ca-co...00+BSW20150304

[sensij]

They are owned by Sunpower. I wouldn't count on getting them into a residential install anytime soon, and definitely not DIY. Sunpower doesn't roll that way.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/SunPower-Integrates-Cogenras-Novel-Solar-Manufacturing-Technique

[gte]

Ok thank you for that information. Does any other manufacturer that is more DIY friendly make a panel that is as aesthetically pleasing and that is rated at 350 watts or more?

[Logan005]

Thanks for the info. I was not aware of this new high density technique.

[gte]

Me either until I stumbled upon that. I personally think they look nicer, and obviously the performance bonus of +15% is pretty awesome too.

Thanks for the info. I was not aware of this new high density technique.

[solarix]

If you look at one of the inverter manufacturer string-sizing sites, they list all the panels they know of and there are an incredible number of them. Most of which I've never heard of. I would stick the main players in the PV panel game. It is not easy to make durable PV panels and even harder to last more than a few years in business - let alone be around to service your 25 year warranty. Sign up with any one of the solar distributors and get better pricing. They will love to sell to you wholesale even though you are just a homeowner. You just need to be able to unload your purchase from a semi-truck!

[gte]

Can you give me a few examples of solar distributors to sign up with?

If you look at one of the inverter manufacturer string-sizing sites, they list all the panels they know of and there are an incredible number of them. Most of which I've never heard of. I would stick the main players in the PV panel game. It is not easy to make durable PV panels and even harder to last more than a few years in business - let alone be around to service your 25 year warranty. Sign up with any one of the solar distributors and get better pricing. They will love to sell to you wholesale even though you are just a homeowner. You just need to be able to unload your purchase from a semi-truck!

[gte]

Still looking for solar distributors to sign up with ... it looks like LG will not sell less than 336 panels of their 365w panels.

[FNG AZ]

I used Renvu for my DIY project. Great people and prices. They have some SolarWorld 325 xl's coming up.